Changes to remuneration for legal aid services
Proposed changes to legal aid payments arising from the Anti-Social Behaviour Crime & Policing Act 2014.
On 13 March 2014, the Anti-Social Behaviour, Crime and Policing Act 2014 (ASBCPA) received Royal Assent. The Act introduces a number of new injunctions and orders, including a series of orders to prevent sexual harm, criminal behaviour orders and injunctions under Part 1, all of which require legal aid.
The government proposes changes to the legal aid payment schemes to coincide with the implementation of Part 1 of the Act early next year. The proposed reforms aim to ensure that appropriate payment is made to legal aid providers for the new injunctions within the framework of the existing scheme. We propose to pay all applications for and appeals against a Part 1 injunction at the current standard civil legal aid rates for legal help and legal representation, including travel and waiting time (where appropriate).
For breach of a Part 1 injunction, remuneration would be made at the fixed fee rates applicable in the magistrates court under the criminal legal aid scheme, including travel and waiting time (where appropriate).